International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

by: Trinie Thai-Parker - April 25th, 2007

Adopted by consensus on December 20, 2006 by the UN General Assembly and opened for signature on February 6, 2007, this Convention criminalizes the practice of enforced disappearance (the kidnapping of an individual, directly or indirectly by the state, without informing anyone of their whereabouts) in peacetime or in war.

It specifically prohibits the use of secret places of detention and recognizes the right to reparation and truth for victims and their families.

Signed by almost 60 countries so far, the treaty will enter into force once it has been ratified by 20 countries.